Top late model and modified drivers hit the Superior Speeway tonight

Race fans at the Superior Speedway will get a double dose of excitement tonight when the World Dirt Racing League and Como Modified Series are both in action.

The 35-lap WDRL feature pays out $3,500 for first place.

WDRL stars expected to compete in this latest Northern Swing include defending series champion Chad Simpson; the current WDRL point leader, Al Purkey; and Denny and Dave, the flying Eckrich brothers. Also expected to file entries are Chad Mahder, Tim Isenberg, Eric Pember, Gordie Seegart, Chris Simpson, Rob Moss, Curt Martin, Jeremy Grady, Andrew McKay and Matt Furman, among others.

Also racing will be 14-year-old Tyler Reddick the “California kid.”

The series regulars will be challenged by regional hotshots such as Pat Doar, Jimmy Mars, Rick Egersdorf, Rick Hanestad, Jake Redetzke, Brent Larson, Brian Birkhofer, Brady Smith, Dennis Erb, Darrell Nelson and Don Copp.

Tonight will also feature the third race of the 2009 Como Modified Series. The race was originally scheduled for July 21, but due to weather was postponed.

Sixty to 70 modified drivers from the Midwest are scheduled to attend and participate in this year’s series.

The 2009 series purse is the biggest ever. The Como Mod Series continues to raise the bar in the open wheel modified world with a grand total of $42,000 in cash for the 2009 series purse with $10,000 going to the winner of the eight-race, high stakes series.

“Our goal every year is to expand our payout” said Como Oil and Propane CFO Joe Stariha. “We have put together a purse with the help of our great sponsors like Lake Country Chevy Dealers that gives our regional series national prominence. I’m elated to help support a major purse for a great group of drivers.”

Top drivers include past Como champions like Kelly Estey, Darrell Nelson and Al Uotinen as well as Dave Cain, Ryan Aho, Jason Miller, Joey Jensen and more surprise entrants. The modifieds will battle in heats, B mains, a dash, and the A m ain feature event.

Hot laps start at 6:30 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $10 for students 13-15 and $30 for everyone in the pits, including drivers. Pit gates open at 4 p.m.

Como Modified Series

2009 Season Point Leaders

Top 25

1. Darrell Nelson 112

2. Kelly Estey 107

3. Bob Broking 101

4. Craig Thatcher 97

5. Jody Bellefeuille 89

6. Mike Anderson 88

7. Joey Jensen 85

7. Jeff Wood 85

9. Robby Bunkelman 81

10. Ryan Aho 80

10. Jeff Provinzino 80

10. Al Uotinen 80

13. Rick Jacobson 71

13. Rick Kobs 71

15. Jason Miller 70

16. Duane Dale 68

17. Ricky Roche 67

18. Caley Emerson 62

19. Greg Chesley 60

20. Steve Roseen 58

21. Wayne Stricker 57

21. Dave Cain 57

21. Jeff Hart 57

21. Jeff Broking 57

25. Brad Waits 56

25. Rick Cannata 56

27. Pat Doar 55

28. Bill Byholm 53

29. Jeff Spacek 50

30. Kelly Checkalski 48

30. Brad Hanson 48

30. Kyle Gavel 48

33. Rick Rivord 35

34. Brad Loveday 34

34. Jamie Davis 34

36. Tim Alexander 33

36. John Carpenter 33

36. Alan Olafson 33

39. Marc Damjanovich 32

39. Paul Schultz 32

41. Andy Miskowic 31

41. Cory Sersha 31

43. Nick Lavato 30

44. Jodi Olson 29

44. Carey Lepage 29

46. Travis Zollar 28

47. Scott Hudack 19

47. Ken Hron 19

49. Jeff Lien 17

50. Shaun Kreyer 16

50. Steve Lavasseur 16

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